In response to the call from the Prison Officers Association for the use of batons to be available in young offender institutions, Graham Robb, Interim Chair of the YJB, made the following statement.
“There is no evidence to suggest that using batons on children as young as 15 will offer staff working with young people in custody greater protection from assault.
“Staff working with under 18 in custody deal with some of the country’s most troubled and troublesome young people. They perform a difficult job in challenging circumstances and they do their work very well.
“However, I remain to be convinced that using batons on younger people will make their jobs easier. I would prefer to see a greater focus on training staff to manage difficult behaviour and to de-escalate situations before they turn violent.
“Research shows that where staff work hard at engaging with young people there is a reduction in aggression. This is the best way for young people to learn not to use violence.
“The YJB has a duty of care towards all young people in custody – and the staff that care for them. Using batons is not the answer.”
Notes to editors
- The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) oversees the youth justice system in England and Wales. We work to prevent offending and reoffending by children and young people under the age of 18, and to ensure that custody for them is safe, secure, and addresses the causes of their offending behaviour.
- Specifically, we advise the Secretary of State on the operation of, and standards for, the youth justice system; monitor the performance of the youth justice system; purchase places for, and place, children and young people remanded or sentenced to custody; identify and promote effective practice; make grants to local authorities or other bodies to support the development of effective practice; commission research and publish information.